VANCOUVER, WA-This week, the county approves a 16% hike in building inspection fees. Last week, county commissioners approved a 44% hike in the fees charges for rezoning property or redeveloping commercial and industrial sites. The increased revenue will be used to hire nine new inspectors.

LONDON-Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association has set up a new joint venture with specialist retail park investor Grantchester to own and manage UK retail parks. To establish the new fund Grantchester has sold Teachers three parks in Birmingham, Norwich and Falkirk for $150 million.

ARGYLE, TX-Dallas businessman E.W. Switzer pays $2.2 million for 35.6 acres in a bid to bring the first retail to a near 20-mile stretch near Texas Motor Speedway and a 2,700-acre retirement community. Talks are under way with Wal-Mart and others.

WHITE PLAINS-Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., reports that it will take over management and will soon raise the Sheraton flag over the 62-unit Molokai Ranch & Lodge in Hawaii.